Fellow travellers: D2C interview with Asset TV

Mark Colegate of Asset TV interviewed me last week why self-directed investors should be interested in their fellow shareholders in investment trusts.  Ownership structures are often concerns for large scale institutional investors, but as self-directed investors grow in terms of scale and influence, aspects of understanding fellow travellers may are worth understanding, as it can add volatility through corporate actions and surprises.

Most self-directed investors, known as D2C (Direct to Consumer channel) by professionals, have important needs and expectations, accessible communications and structural stability; typically they are long-term, supportive and building or managing their retirement assets, most are not traders. Making information accessible and relevant, with a clear company purpose, as well as investment proposition, matters.  Long-term constancy of behaviour builds loyalty from this significant audience group who research differently to professionals.